The events of the China National Finals began February 2 at Zhangzhou Hooran Island in Fujian, China. A total of 99 teams with over 1,800 athletes and coaches from over 20 cities across China are participating. Organizers estimate that total participation, including spectators, winter training activities, and related events, will exceed 3,000 people.
The tournament is being conducted in two phases. The first phase includes 50 teams competing in the 9U, 10U, 13U, and 14U divisions, while the second phase features 49 teams in the 8U, 11U, and 12U divisions.
As the top-tier event of the China PONY Baseball League, champions in each age division will represent China at the 2026 PONY Asia-Pacific Zone Championships. In recent years, under the leadership of the Chinese Baseball Association and with strong support from across the community, youth baseball in China has experienced rapid growth. Competitive standards continue to rise, public interest is expanding, and tournament participation has reached new heights. Youth baseball teams at all levels have also stepped onto the center stage of the world youth baseball and softball arena through the international platform of PONY.
In 2025, PONY China captured Asia-Pacific Championships titles in the 9U, 10U, and 11U divisions, with all three teams advancing to the PONY World Series as continental champions.
With 99 teams and 1,800 athletes competing in this year's finals, it not only sets a new record for Chinese youth baseball tournaments, but also vividly demonstrates the thriving and solid development of youth baseball in China.
The year marks the 75th anniversary of PONY Baseball & Softball. The China National Finals will pitch off a series of global events and activities for youth baseball and softball teams to celebrate the 75 years of achievements.
See event photos HERE